Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Packers Flip Cardinals the Bird
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Last Dance - I kind of feel like we're all in weekly writer meetings for a 20-part series that will chronicle a fictional football team's journey to the Super Bowl. they're one of the early season favorites but get plastered in their first game, then pull out some nail biters, including a crazy game where field goals galore are missed and they suffer a bunch of injuries to some of their best players along the way. Despite missing said key players, they beat the only undefeated team in the league on an end-of game INT by a player who a month ago was with the opponents and now find themselves at 7-1 at the (almost) halfway point of the season. What storylines will the writers come up with next to keep the viewers coming back and on the edge of their seats? Tune in next time...
Juwann over Malik - I find it interesting that Juuwan Winfree was a practice squad call-up and yet got considerably more snaps against the Cardinals (56 vs. 5) than the rostered Malik Taylor. I happen to like both of these guys as depth pieces, with WInfree being a bit more dynamic as a route runner and YAC ability. The Packers have done things like this before, I remember two years ago when they were down two running backs, instead of using rostered Dexter Williams, they called up a guy from the practice squad and gave him carries. Can't remember his name.
Defensive MVP - Is there any argument that Campbell has been the defensive MVP so far this year?
The Juice - The energy and passion this team displays is something we've all been waiting quite some time for. What's the difference? Is it Joe Barry, the addition of De'Vondre Campbell, or the sting of poor performances in the NFC Championship two years in a row? Who cares - just enjoy it.
Deguara - Well, we saw the good and the bad. On the good side, he runs nice routes, catches the ball on the move and can get YAC. His blocking is improving, as well. On the bad side, he has to get his head in the playbook and be prepared for a bigger role. I saw him line up on the wrong side four times. In fact, after the Packers were forced to take a delay of game penalty on their last drive, when they huddled back up and then returned to the LOS, he was AGAIN on the wrong side and had to scramble over to get in the right position. We can give him a one time pass, being that he had to step in unexpectedly after Tonyan got hurt, but it better not happen again.You are now the Packers' starting receiving tight end. Be ready.
Oh Snap! - The Steve Wirtel era is officially underway. Rewatching the game, every place kick snap was to the holders' right side, with a couple being above the shoulder as well. That's a tough ask for the holder to reach up across his body to catch the ball, then bring the ball down to his other side and have it held correctly on the turf with the laces in the correct direction.
Brian Gutekunst since April:
• Drafted 3 rookie starters
• Signed CB off PS that just made game-winning INT against former team
• Signed a top available edge rusher
• Fixed the punter position
• De’Vondre Campbell
• Survived a storm to get MVP QB back to townHe’s ok.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) November 2, 2021
Goal line offense - It was the only thing that prevented this from being a real comfortable win against the only undefeated team in the league. Passing too much, not knowing where to line up, not giving Dillon, who was trucking guys all game, an opportunity LaFleur knows he must do better if he want's his team in the Super Bowl.
Rasul Douglas - I wish he was Jamaican so we could call him Rasta Rasul. My Italian friends will surely get the joke. Speaking of Douglas, he was pretty chatty every time he made a play near the Arizona sideline. And he made quite a few. When was the last time a Packers cornerback had nine tackles? What a find.
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (61)
TomFisher
November 03, 2021 at 06:27 am
Tre Carson
NickPerry
November 03, 2021 at 06:42 am
Hot take: Brian Gutekunst is actually having a hell of a year, and he has more than a clue of what he’s doing.
You damn right he has and he certainly does! Now there will be some who will still bash Gute for not trading for somebody, ANYBODY before the trade deadline. But IMO what he's done over the first 8 weeks just trying to survive all the injuries, has been a welcome change over Ted Thompson's way. Gute had done EXACTLY what he said he would, explore all avenues to improve this team, and he's done just that since January 2018.
As good as MLF has been, he's still had some issues IMO with play calling in pressure packed moments. I really, REALLY hope the next time the Packers have a 1st and goal from the 1, in a game Dillon has been CARRYING players for additional yards, he gives the young man a shot. Why not bring in BOTH Jones and Dillon, line them up in the backfield, and keep the defense guessing as to which get's the handoff.
Sunday night this team is going to get a HUGE jolt, when it's O-Line leader is back at LT and Jenkins is back at LG or possibly Center. Either way this O-Line who's been good with rookies and 1st year guys playing lots of snaps is getting better.
I have a feeling Sunday Night, we'll see at least 5 shot plays with MVS back in the line-up with at least one going for a long TD. BUT, the Packers are facing a high powered offense, on the road, (sound familiar) a game plan very similar to last week in terms of running the ball might not be a bad idea. Mahomes CAN'T get hot and hurt you from the bench.
GO PACK GO...I LOVE this team!
Houndog
November 03, 2021 at 07:13 am
Nick,
It would be foolish to disagree with you, Gutey is having a great year, and it's as refreshing and surprising as it is uncommon. The Packers don't often do what they've been doing this year. It appears there's a bit of 'All-In' inside the front office at 1265 Lombardi Ave.
The part I question is; is this sign of 'All-In' a signal that A-Rod's days are numbered? I hope not, and while we haven't seen enough of Love to gauge anything, we know what Rodgers is capable of, and he's still one of the best in the game.
Let's hope we can make it to the big dance, cuz the off-season is going to be a hell of a roller coaster ride.
dobber
November 03, 2021 at 07:39 am
Gute is no fool: he knows he needs to be damn right to trade ARod after the season. Not only does the team need to meaningfully and visibly benefit from the move (compensation, cap room), but he needs to be able to justify it to the fan base.
...and then the team needs to be competitive with an upward trajectory in '22 to keep the fans on board. It's going to be a hard road to navigate.
Guam
November 03, 2021 at 07:59 am
Rodgers will be the interesting off-season question this year. Gute is between a rock and a hard place with the fan base on that issue, but those are the decisions he is paid to make. I like what he has done to date and trust his judgement.
croatpackfan
November 03, 2021 at 07:18 am
Hey Nick, I agree with almost everything you wrote, except with the last part. I think that Chiefs OL is so weak that just need to put the pressure on the Mahomes and he will quickly turn over the possession to Packers. He was doing that this season in 4 games already, and some of the Chiefs victories was more the product of bad opponents than stellar plays from Chiefs offense. Mahomes hates Tampa 2 or it's variations even more than Aaron Rodgers. With good CB and ILB play front 5 should make a lot of problems to pretty nervous Mahomes.
Lets "hope" I'm the total amateur, but I think this should be the master plan on D. For offense I would like to see Packers imposing their will to them by both running and passing short and long passes, involving more than several players who will on the catching end.
Coldworld
November 03, 2021 at 09:40 am
The recipe for containing the Chiefs O is very similar to the one that brought Murray down to earth in AZ. Contain and disrupt the QB. If we can do that and keep Rodgers upright we should be well placed. The Chiefs don’t have a high rated pass defense like AZ. I think we can both run and pass on them and it looks like we will have a more varied and experienced WR corps.
dobber
November 03, 2021 at 10:10 am
Yup...that defensive issue the Chiefs have, and an offense that has been out of sync for many games, is a real problem for them. I expected a wake-up game from them on Monday against the Giants, and it didn't happen. Makes me a little more nervous about Sunday because Mahomes is going to be up for this one.
dobber
November 03, 2021 at 07:36 am
"As good as MLF has been, he's still had some issues IMO with play calling in pressure packed moments."
I think he's trying to outsmart everyone, and this is his greatest flaw at this point. Sometimes simple works best...especially in those cases where--with a lead--you can just pound it home.
HawkPacker
November 03, 2021 at 09:41 am
Hey Dobber, I agree. He apologized for his short comings when they were on the goal line and it seems to me that this has happened before which bothers me. It appears that he did not learn from his previous mistakes when trying to score.
As others have said, why wouldn't he put AJ Dillon in for at least one play and see how it works. As previously mentioned, you could put both running backs in at that point.
As I previously mentioned, they could put Dillon in the game, spread him out to the right or left by the tight end, and out of an empty back field, put Dillon in motion, have him stop behind the center, hike him the ball and have him sneak it in. A pretty good trick play?
Minniman
November 03, 2021 at 02:40 pm
He momentarily forgot the number of new faces that were lined up and just ended up confusing his own team.
Jones and Dillon need to both be on the field on every opposition goal-line play - even if for eye-candy early in the season.
With this much offensive diversity and firepower, scoring from the 1-yard line for the Packers should be a virtual fait accompli.
scullyitsme
November 03, 2021 at 10:20 am
Nobody is bashing gute for not making a trade at the deadline because he actually went out and got some good players before the deadline. Cobb, Douglass merciless. That’s all we( and Rodgers) asked for. Solid role player that can make one play for you that can change the destiny of the team. Douglas’s interception could very well mean the difference between home field advantage and or bye in the playoffs. When gute makes these moves doesn’t matter, it’s just that he actually is making them this year.
stockholder
November 03, 2021 at 10:30 am
Excellent Point! And how many would be here if it wasn't for Rodgers? THE "All in" will change if Rodger's leaves. Veterans have made the difference.
10ve 💚
November 03, 2021 at 11:12 am
"And how many would be here if it wasn't for Rodgers?"
Rodgers being here will have no bearing on other players being here. Everyone follows the money (except Mercilus who wanted to be on a winning team... but that is because he was so tired of sukking).
So, if any player is paid more to play elsewhere, then "elsewhere" is where they will go.
If it was me, or even you, that is what we would also do. The fact that you hold stock will not change that fact.
Minniman
November 03, 2021 at 02:50 pm
I don't doubt for an instant that Gute and his team weren't trying their hardest to get a TE replacement for Big Bob; but the risk-reward equation just wasn't there to pull the trigger.
mnbadger
November 03, 2021 at 12:29 pm
here's an answer to author's question "What storylines will the writers come up with next to keep the viewers coming back and on the edge of their seats? Tune in next time..."
- Answer: star quarterback has best costume at the halloween party but picks up covid after failing to protect himself, his teammates and the team by failing to properly "immunize." Damn. GPG
Tundraboy
November 03, 2021 at 11:03 pm
Love it NO Put Dillon and Jones together and force the other guys to wonder who is getting the ball!
SanLobo
November 03, 2021 at 07:04 am
Gutenkunst has done a very good job making the team more competitive as the season has progressed and deserves credit for his work. And if what Aaron Rodgers said yesterday on the Pat McAfee show is true, and I believe it is, than Gutenkunst has forged a relationship with Rodgers. Rodgers was reflective and appeared to be thinking more in tune with the issues the GM is facing and in alignment with how the GM is working to resolve those issue. To the see the team all focused and working toward the same goal is a thing of beauty.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
November 03, 2021 at 07:47 am
Didn’t watch Pat McAfee this week (yet), but I think “time cures old wounds” might be at play. I bet that Gute would admit that he was focused on the forest and not the biggest tree we had when going about his business. Likewise, I bet AR sees the good work being done by the GM and might be coming to appreciate it more. Even with big egos it is possible to say, “I see you more clearly now. I’m sorry and I will try to do better in the future.” If both of them can do this watch out! We could have years of 14-3’s to come.
Johnblood27
November 03, 2021 at 07:53 am
San Lobo - if what you say is true, (better-more harmonious relationship) what makes you think that ARod is in alignment with Guteys plan and not vice-versa?
SanLobo
November 03, 2021 at 08:23 am
I believe Rodgers is in alignment with how Gutenkunst is trying to resolve issues, and by that I mean for this season. I am not saying they are aligned on a plan beyond this season. The exchange of perspectives probably influenced them both. But it’s my opinion that Gutenkunst explaining to Rodgers the issues he faces has lifted the veil on another aspect of the game and team that Rodgers loves. Rodgers is both intelligent and reflective. Anyone who has listened to Rodgers explain why he loves football on the McAfee show can see his focus on the “team” concept and dedication to winning as a team. If Rodgers (who did not previously see the Front Office as helping the team win, hence the off season drama), now sees and can appreciate the work the Front Office does to make the team better, only good can come of it.
Minniman
November 03, 2021 at 02:59 pm
"I believe Rodgers is in alignment with how Gutenkunst is trying to resolve issues, and by that I mean for this season"
Rodgers even admitted on the Pat McAfee Show this week that next year the Pack are in Cap-Hell and that "big contracts will need to be cut" (his words, not mine).
Time to live in the present (as much as I'd love the fairy-tale resolution next year).
On the upside, I'm not unhappy with seeing Jordan Love play some games with the 1's this year. I was thinking just this week if the Packers would try and get him some games\plays....... but with the chance of the #1 seed (and all that sweet home-field money) they probably wouldn't chance it.
Now they don't have a choice.
Lphill
November 03, 2021 at 07:35 am
Yet 8 games into the season the question on everyone’s mind is where is Dillon at the goal line?
Razer
November 03, 2021 at 08:20 am
Indeed!
No doubt that this is Rodgers offense and he picks the direction. On the 1st and goal from the 3, Rodgers stated that Arizona had 7 men in the box and a run would have been stuffed. Without JJ Watt, the pound-it game seemed like a better option than the small space finesse game. This game was tighter than it needed to be.
Bearmeat
November 03, 2021 at 09:24 am
Gutekunst is a top 5 GM. Jerry Reinsdorf he is not - nor is 12 MJ. The national writers are of course saying "trade Love" all over the place now. NO WAY. 12 is done here in March, unless Love is awful in practice all year (and no one at 1265 would say that publicly). Let's just enjoy the last ARod stand!
We're all in this season, and right now we are all riding high. Beat KC, SEA and BAL in the next 6 weeks and home field is all but ours. (I'm of course assuming wins vs our B###es CHI and MIN! :) But, unlike the 7 other times since 1992, this team has the balance to finish the deal in January. More so than any Packer team since 1997 anyway...
dobber
November 03, 2021 at 08:22 am
You're right on..it's inevitable: the cap situation, the make-up of the roster, and the intrusion into the front office all adds up to #12 playing somewhere else in 2022. Frankly, this team will absolutely NEED the influx of talent that will come from a series of high picks in return for ARod: he's the prime piece of real estate that you hang onto until its value and your need meet. That land does you no good when you're dead. From a long-term team-building standpoint, re-doing his contract and keeping ARod--and his cap hits (he's always been about the cache of being a top-paid player)--until he falls apart and you get nothing for him just don't make sense.
Coldworld
November 03, 2021 at 09:49 am
Unpalatable but true. It’s a tsunami of converging cap, contract and age factors that face this roster. The momentum is such that will wash over this roster, the only questions are how well we can rebound.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
November 03, 2021 at 09:52 am
Bearmeat and Dobber,
People keep commenting that they just want to make it to the big dance. BS...just making it to the big dance doesnt fly for me! You win the damn thing! Second place isn't part of my mind set and isn't acceptable! In 1997, I was deep in South America for weeks over the time of the SB where the Packers were supposed to win easily against Denver. Nearly two weeks after the SB I stumbled into a couple on a beautiful beach and asked if the Packers had won the SB. Was devastated and never want to get that close again and have that devastating feeling. Winning is everything!
Without question the off-season will not only be interesting but chaotic. WOW! Will Rodgers stay or go? Will Love stay or go? Of significant interest is the Denver Broncos trading away superstar Von Miller yesterday for multiple draft picks next year. Remember Denver was the team most likely to trade for Rodgers? The QB situation in Denver is not good, and the team isn't going anywhere this season. Are the Broncos setting themselves up for a blockbuster off-season trade? The Broncos are supposedly for sale. What would send a stronger message to Denver fans with new ownership than a Aaron Rodgers trade? 🤔
Speculation certainly but there is going to be a lot of crazy speculation and rumors this offseason.
Finally, everyone seems to dislike Mark Murphy but he brought on Gutey, and LF. He helped navigate this whole off-season drama with Rodgers successfully. With Murphy's Titletown Development and the GBP's turn around beginning in 2019 Murphy has done an outstanding job along with Gutey, and LF. We should all sing their praises from the highest rooftops. If you cannot see Murphy has created this environment where the Packers have been so successful than you are one of those who cannot see the forest because of the trees.
dobber
November 03, 2021 at 10:19 am
"Remember Denver was the team most likely to trade for Rodgers? "
There's been all this speculation that ARod might be wanting to leverage his way to Denver, but Denver has to want him, too, and it needs to make sense for them. They aren't as close to being a title contender as some people make them out to be, and they got further away yesterday. ARod isn't a finishing piece for them, and acquiring him pushes them down the ladder unless they can own the FA market in March. I think there are other teams where "ARod to X" makes a lot more sense...the question is: does ARod really want to be out west or just out of GB?
"Finally, everyone seems to dislike Mark Murphy"
I think people dislike seeing or hearing Mark Murphy. Certainly he seemed to bungle the last couple years of the TT/MM regime. He needs to stay in the shadows...instead, he comes forward at the most inopportune times and messes things up. He's not a complicated fellow.
Razer
November 03, 2021 at 07:51 am
I like what the front office is doing these days. Rodgers lit a fire under them and Gutekunst is responding. Getting experienced players to help push us over the top has been a missing element but guys like Campbell, Mercilius and Douglas have been great additions. I like too that we are not wasting too much time on players who can't cut it. Jaylon Smith was a nice try but also a quick cut so that we can keep improving. We have enough projects.
Deguara worries me. Third round pick that can't figure out his assignment. I can't stand stupid players even if they are (supposedly talented). They always seem to screw-up at the worst time. Give his plays to Daffney until he can recite the playbook in French.
Pound the ball when you are inside the 5 yard line. Stop the quick screen trickery, don't get cute just get low and nasty.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
November 03, 2021 at 10:01 am
Think you are giving Rodgers too much credit. Gutey has been shaking things up and searching under every stone for several years now for talent. Agree Cobb has been a nice addition but we will never know where Amari's development would be now if he had Cobbs playing time all year.
At end of the day it doesn't matter as the team is ascending. I just think some are giving Rodgers too much credit for talent acquisition when Gutey has been doing this all along.
Guam
November 03, 2021 at 07:51 am
Spot on comment about Deguara Al! Deguara is a second year player and shouldn't be making the number of mental mistakes he is. I would love to believe that they will go away now that he is starter, but I have my doubts. Hopefully Daffney, Lewis or maybe Lazard can step in if Deguara continues to be mistake prone. The TE position is too valuable in MLF's scheme to have bonehead mistakes occur with regularity.
PatrickGB
November 03, 2021 at 08:45 am
Daffney has looked good in the few plays that I have seen him in on. Yet Deguara was the type of player that Matt was looking for when he was drafted. I don’t think that either one is a true TE in the classic sense. They both strike me as a kind of fullback who can line up as a move TE. I am still trying to wrap my head around what exactly is an H back?
Coldworld
November 03, 2021 at 10:12 am
Daffney was a fullback that was used offensively, mostly running. Deguara was a true H Back used as a weapon in the passing game. Both can lead block. Neither played in line. Both are shorter than typical NFL TEs and lighter. Daffney has now had a preseason in which to develop. Deguara has had only the short one last year, having missed this off and pre season. He’s being asked to do things we didn’t see him used for last year. There is going to be a learning curve picking them up in season.
dobber
November 03, 2021 at 07:56 am
Deguara--the spotlight might be firmly on him at this point, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Dafney (reportedly the better blocker) split a lot of Tonyan's snaps with Deguara. They're similar in HWS, but different types of players. Tonyan is a significant loss--he was the only TE that could legitimately threaten defenses down the seam or deep. Maybe Deguara can do it. Getting MVS back sooner rather than later will be imperative for this offense to keep defenses honest. Even with Tonyan, AZ didn't respect the Packers deep. They manned up the Packers' WRs most of the game and played 10 and sometimes 11 men within 7 yards of the LOS. Adams will make a difference, too (understatement of the year).
Gutekunst--there's no doubt in my mind that he's been an important piece of the success of the last 3 years. The coaching staff is doing a good job of coaching up the next man up, but if those pieces aren't capable, they eventually get targeted and exposed. It hasn't happened yet. This is a good roster--which could be a great roster when injured starters return--and there's reason to think that when the upcoming cap purge happens, this will still be a competitive team.
Rasul Douglas--I'm holding my breath a little bit for KC who might be the fastest team across the board that the Packers will play all year. Do we remember Ladarius Gunter from a few years back? A big CB who was forced into a starting role by injuries and was game--played hard and with heart, but was eventually exposed as not having the legs to play on the outside? Douglas is better than Gunter, but at some point, someone will work hard to expose his lack of footspeed. Maybe he can make up for it with physicality...I'm hoping his story has a happy ending.
PatrickGB
November 03, 2021 at 08:50 am
I remember that well. The difference is that Douglas seems more “sticky” in coverage. Also, Douglas seems to have more football smarts and tackles well. Maybe you are right and he isn’t a long term answer at outside corner. But for now he fits right in.
Coldworld
November 03, 2021 at 09:59 am
Douglas was very good in the red zone for the Eagles but was prone to giving up big plays too often. He is and was good in short areas but timed slow over distance and was exploited for that in Philly. His tackling has improved mightily. He’s going to face some challenges against the Chiefs until he can prove that his speed isn’t a weakness.
dobber
November 03, 2021 at 10:23 am
I think he'd be a really nice piece as the third or fourth outside CB behind Stokes and Alexander, if you can get him for that kind of money.
RCPackerFan
November 03, 2021 at 08:21 am
Last Dance -
There just seems to be a different vibe with this team this year. I can't put my finger on it, but there is just this vibe I get. This journey isn't half way over yet. Lets see what happens next.
Juwann over Malik -
I wish we could have seen Winfree during preseason. I would have loved to have seen how that battle played out. Taylor was really good this preseason. But Winfree definitely is more dynamic.
Defensive MVP -
Campbell deserves it. I don't know another defensive player that has meant more for their defense then Campbell. The player right now that would likely get it would be DIggs with Dallas. Just because of his interception numbers. But Campbell is the one who deserves it.
The Juice -
Exactly why I said earlier there is a vibe with this team. Joe Barry has to at least be part of the reason. Campbell, Stokes, Douglas all are parts of it too. But there is just a different vibe. Also the defense has been better and continues to get better even though we are missing the best CB in the league and one of the best pass rushers.
Deguara -
Great call on the bad with Deguara. I also noticed, he was lining up on the wrong side. It will be interesting to see if he can help fill the void left by Tonyan. He will need to pick it up some.
Oh Snap! -
I was waiting for the move to be made. There simply has been no accuracy to the snaps. I really question how many of the snaps causes bad kicks from Crosby. Bojo had to work hard for them. Also on his punts he has had to take a number of them almost off the turf. The one in which he boomed 80+ yards was basically off the ground. It was only a matter of time until a bad snap was going to cost us a game. Hopefully Wirtel will be an upgrade.
Goal line offense -
I would like to see some more creativity down there. Put both Dillon and Jones together. Dillon was built for these types of runs. That being said Jones is very good in situations. Just would like to see a little more creativity. Maybe run some jet motion, something.
Rasul Douglas -
I'm not Italian so I don't get it. :)
When King comes back, I don't see how he can play ahead of Douglas. Douglas has been amazing! He is aggressive and has brought some physicality to the CB position.
Spock
November 03, 2021 at 09:59 am
Pasta Ragu? That's the only thing I can think of with Al's comment.
PeteK
November 03, 2021 at 10:27 am
pasta fasul or fangul
Bitternotsour
November 03, 2021 at 07:08 pm
Pasta fazool (that's amore!) (bastardized italian for pasta fagioli)
in this case it's scooby doo saying pasta fazool.
PatrickGB
November 03, 2021 at 08:57 am
I was listening to a Bills home broadcast when visiting family. I heard that they let go of Bojo because they felt he had a weakness in holding on field goals. So perhaps getting rid of the inaccurate long snapper will help Cory and explain some of Masons kick issues in some past games this season. I think we found a gem in Bojo and got rid of a weak link in the kicking game.
BaldingersBentDigit
November 03, 2021 at 10:10 am
If Bojo has a weakness with holding why not use the back up QB, Love as a holder. Is there some unwritten law that says the punter can be the only holder on kicks?
barutanseijin
November 03, 2021 at 06:48 pm
I think there's some worry that the backup QB gets his fingers or hand hurt holding the kick.
PatrickGB
November 03, 2021 at 07:03 pm
Practice time is also an issue. It takes away from QB practice.
BAMABADGER
November 03, 2021 at 09:30 am
For what ever reason, when on the goal line MLF brings out his inner Joe Biden for play calling.
Coldworld
November 03, 2021 at 09:31 am
Taylor’s lack of targets has been oddly low all season after what we saw in camp. Instead they have tried to get ESB, then on the practice squad, opportunities. Could that be because Taylor mostly plays in the slot and we have Cobb?
As to last week, it surprised me a lot less. Taylor was in Covid purdah for at least 2 weeks and thus not with the team in practice. There were no real practices after his call up. Winfree was played mostly in Adams’ position. He seems better suited to that than Taylor in terms of profile. I also seem to recall Taylor being used to block when he was on O. He’s not as tall as Lazard, but he’s a big body receiver at 220 pounds compared to the others and physical: using him to block seems logical without Lazard.
Handsback
November 03, 2021 at 09:41 am
Losing their TE will hurt, but theres a workaround solution with what they have on their roster.
While I loved the game one issue keeps bothering me...the offense didn't put the game away. For a team that is offense centric, they have to score TDs in the red zone. Play calling may be the issue, but just like last year in the NFC championship they didn't get the job done. How many times have we seen the defense blow it in the final minute? Too many to count. Seeing them rise up and stop AZ. was great, but it won't be a habit.
So fire up the run game with a few more wrinkles and punish the other team with TDs and quit trying to be cute.
greengold
November 03, 2021 at 10:16 am
Al, you had me at "My Italian friends will surely get the joke."
Man, you're so SPOT ON with all of this. What we are witnessing has the makings of an epic start of a wild story. Let's hope our Packers finish it in glory.
As for "The Juice," I am thinking more & more this is all Matt LaFleur. Think how Mike Pettine was essentially forced upon him, and how some communication snafus can readily result in that situation. This entire time, I've felt LaFleur is an innovator, knows a ton about what kind of defense he has wanted here since he was first hired, and Joe Barry agreed to run exactly what LaFleur wanted. We've seen the exact same juice on O, and it doesn't surprise me one bit to now see that on D in like fashion with Mike Pettine gone.
I suspect Josiah Deguara will have himself ready to face KC. Not easy coming back from injury, with most of camp working off to the side, then hitting the ground running on all cylinders post ACL surgery. I like your take on him and your expectations moving forward, 100%. No excuses. He's the man, now. Can't wait to see what Matt LaFleur was so damned excited for when Gutekunst drafted him, for him. This could be really good. Hoping for the best with Deguara. btw, he was the ONLY guy I had the Packers drafting in my personal mocks prior to that 2020 draft. Ha! Not in R3 tho!!!
SUUUUUUULLLLLL!!!!!!! What a magical finish he provided to that Cardinals game. He plays very sound ball too. Just another phenomenal find by Brian Gutekunst. We are fortunate to have him.
Not mentioned much, but with no big trades at deadline, I think this may spell some bigger & better things with regards to TJ Slaton and his development. Figure, if you knew you needed quality NT play behind or next to Kenny Clark, and to take an NFL ready NT in terms of size and explosive energy, who required technique development, and you want his greatest impact entering the playoffs... these minimal snaps we've seen him get thru 8 games start to make sense. Hoping for Slaton to be a big contributor the rest of the way.
Your weekly column here is always a bright part of any week. Very much appreciated.
GPG
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
November 03, 2021 at 10:17 am
I'm curious to see the roster moves and the creativity the Packers make with Tonyan and Hill injured who replaces them? How are they going to use Patrick Taylor? Are they bringing another RB onto the Practice squad? Who is going to be the KR? Deguara will be fine but he will not be as explosive as Tonyan down the seam. Deguara is not going to scare defenses and will allow them to double team our WR's on the outside. I wonder at LF's creativity and whether Lazard, or ESB can creatively be used in some situations as a move TE? If they can be it would allow the Packers to use duct tape to hide some holes offensively. Going to be interesting!
dobber
November 03, 2021 at 10:29 am
SHIT...ARod to the Covid list. Will not play Sunday.
https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2021/11/03/aaron-rodge...
Love might make the world go round...now we'll see if it can make the offense go.
PeteK
November 03, 2021 at 11:01 am
Rodgers just tested positive, out for Sundays game. Hopefully, last weeks backup QB's winning games continues Sun. It's an out of conference game, we have a good lead in division, and Love will get some needed experience.
dobber
November 03, 2021 at 10:31 am
And he's playing a weak defense...a lot of pressure on Barry and on the run game to make this one go.
PeteK
November 03, 2021 at 11:37 am
ibid
PeteK
November 03, 2021 at 10:58 am
Chiefs D played a bit better with DT Jones back and now they have Ingram.
"An it stinks so bad the stones been chokin
N weapin green drops
N the torture never stops"
EnemyTerritory
November 03, 2021 at 10:38 am
The storyline gets juicier every minute.
stockholder
November 03, 2021 at 10:51 am
Everybody is giving a 100 %. How can anybody pick sides in this? LeFluer deserves credit too. You just don't cut 6 guys without input. And you just don't win. Lets give credit to everyone.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
November 03, 2021 at 12:19 pm
Rodgers out Sunday due to covid. Time to see what the Vikings missed out on not once but twice in the draft. LOL!
Good test to see what the Packers have in Love. Boy, this season is throwing a lot of curve balls GBPs way.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
November 03, 2021 at 12:30 pm
A follow-up to above!
Been arguing these past few days with a misguided and misfortunate Viking friend about why GB has had more success the past 30 years. I indicated the Pack is better at throwing resources at the QB position even when they have a HOF QB. The response was the Pack got lucky with Favre and Rodgers. He didn't bring up Brunell, Detmer, Brooks, or Hasselbeck. Nearly 70 years of NFL of experience, Heisman Trophy, multiple Pro Bowls and All Pros. Believe three of them are in other teams HOF. Believe two of them are on teams Stadium Ring of Honor. Which brings me to Jordan Love. Obviously, I want him to be wildly successful in his Packer career, but how fun will it be to give Viking fans shit for passing him up not just once, but twice in the draft. LMAO!
TXCHEESE
November 03, 2021 at 04:10 pm
...What storylines will the writers come up with next to keep the viewers coming back and on the edge of their seats? Tune in next time...
LOL, you had to say it didn't you. Well, we have our next juicy episode coming this Sunday. Seriously, unless Mahomes just goes off, if GB plays like they did last week, they will definitely have a fighting chance. Protect the ball, solid defense, and run/play action.